How to Fix It When a Stadia Controller Can't Connect to Wi-Fi

Google Stadia controllers connect directly to the internet via your Wi-Fi network, reducing lag during gameplay. When a Stadia controller can’t connect to Wi-Fi, you’ll either find that you’re unable to play at all or that you need to use a wired or Bluetooth connection that introduces extra lag, depending on the device you’re using.

To get things working again, you’ll need to make changes to your Wi-Fi network, use a different device to set up your controller, or possibly even replace the controller if it’s broken.

Causes of Stadia Controller Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi Errors

When a Stadia controller can’t connect to Wi-Fi, it’s usually because of one of these issues:

• There’s a problem with the device you’re using for the initial setup.
• The controller is too far from your Wi-Fi router.
• Objects or walls are blocking the wireless signal.
• Other devices are interfering with the wireless signal.
• Problems with your network hardware, including the router and modem.
• Physical problems with the Stadia controller itself.

How to Fix it When Your Stadia Controller Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi

If you’re having a problem with your Stadia controller where it won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try each of the following troubleshooting tips until the controller starts working again.

1. Restart your phone and controller. If you’re having trouble getting the Stadia Controller to connect to Wi-Fi during the initial setup process, something may have gotten stuck. Restart your phone and controller, and then attempt to set up your Stadia controller again.

   1. Restart your phone, or shut it off and turn it back on.
   2. Press and hold the Stadia button on your controller for four seconds to turn the controller off.
   3. Press and hold the Stadia button for three seconds until the controller rumbles twice.
   4. Attempt to set up your controller

2. Try using a different phone for the initial setup. If the controller still doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi during the initial setup process, it may be due to the phone you’re using. If you have access to a different phone, try performing the initial setup again using the other phone. Some phones are unable to complete the process correctly, even though it looks like everything is fine in the Stadia app.

3. Check your Wi-Fi network and password. Make sure that you’re trying to connect the controller to the correct Wi-Fi network and that you’re using the right password. The phone you're using for the setup process, your Chromecast, and your controller should all be on the same network.

4. Try the other band if you have a dual or tri-band router. If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, try connecting to both. The Stadia controller will perform better when connected to a 5 GHz network, but only if the signal is strong enough. Depending on the positioning of your equipment and your house's layout, your controller may only be able to use the 2.5 GHz network.

5. Improve your Wi-Fi signal. While you don’t need to be right next to your Wi-Fi router to use your Stadia controller, try setting the controller up in the same room as the router with as little distance and interference as possible. If the controller connects, you’ll need to change the router's positioning to minimize obstructions and interference.

6. Restart your network hardware. An issue with your router or modem may be preventing the controller from making an initial connection. In that case, restarting the router, modem, and any other network hardware may help.

7. Contact Google for hardware assistance. If there aren’t any problems with your network, and you’ve failed to set up the controller with multiple phones, then there may be a hardware fault with the controller itself. Google will provide further assistance, possible repairs, or help you with a warranty replacement if that’s an option.